All Class transfers Flat form to gain first hurdles win

All Class (4/5 out to 11/4 on the show) defied market weakness to win the Ballymote Handicap Hurdle.

The French-bred mare, a big improver on the Flat on soft ground in recent months, was patiently handled before improving on the run to the second-last flight of hurdles.

She was pushed along to challenge in the straight and hit the front on the short run-in to win a shade snugly.

Three quarters of a length and the same were the margins of victory over outsiders Citizen’s Army (50/1) and Deo Bellator (80/1)

With trainer David Dunne on lead-up duties, winning rider Sean Flanagan remarked: “She liked the ground and travelled well. I was a little bit worried early as she was jumping big after a couple of runs over fences.

“In fairness to her it was her first run in a handicap hurdle for a while.

“She’s gone away and done it well but she’s beaten nothing.”